Town of Caledon makes structural changes to prepare for future growth

Written By ALYSSA PARKHILL

While many places are laying off staff in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, the Town of Caledon have taken the bold step of strengthening its senior management core during these uncertain times.

Last Wednesday (May 20), the municipality announced several new additions, with some familiar faces returning to Town Hall. Mark Sraga has rejoined the Town as Chief Building Official, following a decade spent working for the City of Toronto. With 32 years of municipal experience and senior leadership roles, Sraga proved to be more than qualified to return as Chief Building Official. He last worked for the Town from 2003 to 2009 as Chief Building Director and as a member of the local bylaw enforcement department. Before his return to the Town, Sraga previously worked as Deputy Chief Building Director and Director of Investigation Services, Municipal Licensing and Standards for the City of Toronto.

“We are putting new leadership and a stronger structure in place to guide us through recovery from COVID-19 and beyond,” commented CAO Carey Herd. “The world has changed, and we have to change with it. We have to modernize it and do things differently. Our community expects that of us, and we have to deliver.” 

The changes also saw two current members of Town staff take on new roles within the municipality.

Sylvia Kirkwood, who has worked with the Town of Caledon for the past nine years as Manager of Development and Manager of Policy and Sustainability, will be taking on the newly created role of Chief Planner. Kirkwood has previously worked with the City of Mississauga and City of Guelph and has over 25 years of municipal planning experience. 

Brian Baird, formerly Manager of Parks and Landscape Architect, will be taking on the role of Senior Manager of Operations in a new unit within the Town, which will manage parks and road operations. Baird has been employed by the Town for nearly two decades, working in a variety of positions and departments. 

“We are strengthening our building and planning divisions at a time when our economy needs a boost. Construction is one of our best economic engines,” said Herd. 

These new positions were created as Council puts plans into place to boost the local economy once the COVID-19 crisis subsides. 

“The pandemic has put a spotlight on where we can improve our services,” said Mayor Allan Thompson. “It has accelerated our need to change. Council is pleased to see these leaders, who are experienced, well respected and have a clear vision for Caledon, step into these roles. They will help us reimagine who the Town can be for the community and ensure we move towards the future in the post- COVID world.” 

For more information, please visit Caledon.ca.